The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (the “SJC”) recently decided that two mortgage foreclosure ordinances adopted by the City of Springfield were preempted by existing state law. In Easthampton Savings Bank v. City of…more

On July 23, 2014 , Governor Deval Patrick signed into law “An Act Further Regulating Flood Insurance”, effective November 20, 2014. Links to the Act and to “Frequently Asked Questions” prepared by the Massachusetts Division of…more

For over a decade, the federal estate tax law has changed from year to year. The rates have risen and fallen. The federal estate tax exemption went from $650,000 to $1,000,000. Then it increased to $1,500,000, then $2,000,000,…more

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) recently issued a landmark decision, U.S. Bank, Nat. Ass’n v. Schumacher, on an issue the Massachusetts Superior and Housing Courts have been grappling with for the past four…more

On his last day in office, Governor Patrick signed Senate Bill 865, the so-called Parental Leave Act (“Parental Leave”), which amends the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act (“MMLA”) to provide unpaid leave to all eligible…more

Deadline Approaching for Filing Important Notice with Rhode Island Cities and Towns: Taxpayers Who Miss Deadline Prohibited From Appealing Property Tax Assessments In Superior Court.
January 31st marks an important deadline…more

I am not much of a true football fan. I have little interest in Monday night games, player stats, or the draft. But as a true New Englander, in support of my family and friends who love the Patriots, I’ll always make a point to…more

A 2013 ruling from the Rhode Island Superior Court illustrates the necessity of preserving potentially relevant information in the face of pending or threatened litigation, and the harsh consequences that can result from a…more

As technological developments have greatly expanded the world of available information, the cost of harvesting electronically stored information (ESI) has risen exponentially. In recent years however, technology has also begun…more

On June 12, 2014 the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Clark v. Rameker, 13-299, ruling that inherited IRA accounts are available to creditors in bankruptcy. At issue was a Bankruptcy Code provision that exempts…more

Are Employers in the 34 States Without Exchanges Subject to Penalties? -
Despite the fact that there is no longer any disagreement in the lower courts, the Supreme Court on Friday, November 7, 2014, made the unusual and…more

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (the “SJC”) recently decided that two mortgage foreclosure ordinances adopted by the City of Springfield were preempted by existing state law. In Easthampton Savings Bank v. City of…more

Commercial lenders in Rhode Island may no longer rely upon a Usury Savings Clause in loan documents. Most commercial loan documents contain such a clause, which usually states that any payments made by a borrower in excess of…more

Effective January 17, 2015, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is reducing filing fees for new U.S. trademark applications filed and processed electronically from $325 to $275 per class (and as low as $225 if certain strict…more

A major change to federal law governing mortgage lending may be on the horizon. On October 2, 2014, the United States Supreme Court agreed to decide whether the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) not only imposes liability for…more

It has come to our attention that numerous Rhode Island corporate clients have received by mail, solicitation letters from a company indicating that it could assist in the corporation’s compliance with Rhode Island General Law…more

On June 12, 2014 the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Clark v. Rameker, 13-299, ruling that inherited IRA accounts are available to creditors in bankruptcy. At issue was a Bankruptcy Code provision that exempts…more

Are Employers in the 34 States Without Exchanges Subject to Penalties? -
Despite the fact that there is no longer any disagreement in the lower courts, the Supreme Court on Friday, November 7, 2014, made the unusual and…more

Suppose the following: Title to a home is held by Trust A. The beneficiaries of Trust A are three natural persons and Trust B. Trust B holds a 25% beneficial interest in Trust A. The sole beneficiaries of Trust B are Mom and…more

On January 7, 2015, former Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation permitting Massachusetts credit unions to establish branches in the other five New England states and New York, subject to certain limitations and…more

A major change to federal law governing mortgage lending may be on the horizon. On October 2, 2014, the United States Supreme Court agreed to decide whether the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) not only imposes liability for…more

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